Bilstein 5100 shocks/coilovers

So I've been reading a lot about lifts here and a lot of guys like the 5100 shocks.

One thing that I am confused about is that I read quite a few saying the 5100s were designed to be used with the OEM springs.

If I decided to just get the 5100 coilovers with the OME springs built into it, does that mean it won't as well as just replacing the shock since they aren't the OEM springs?

 

I had 5100 with OME springs. It was not good. It was pencil thin and cheap. That is why.

 

From what I understand, is that the 5100 is best paired to have the stock OEM springs.

Others have put Old Man Emu springs installed with various accounts of success and failures, you can goggle them.
If you do decide to put on Old Man Emu springs on 5100, do not rely on the documentation regarding the circ-clip.
And your mileage will vary, and experiences / support with them is limited.

It would be best to just set it up with 5100 with stock springs, or full (insert Vendor name here) Shocks w/springs, so you dont need to think about it.

 

I will most likely just use the stock springs and replace the shock.

Would that be better than removing the stock springs and shock and just replacing it with the Bilstein 5100 ride height adjustable coilovers?

 

You can use OME springs on the 5100s.
But you need to leave the shock set at the factory height.
The lift will be done by the springs, and not the shocks, if using OME springs.

 

Had 5100 on my 2gen for over 100k miles so far with stock springs set on 3rd notch which is 1.75 lift approx. Bottom notch is 0 lift, 2nd is 0.85, and top 4th is 2.5. At 2.5 you need aftermarket UCAs.
So yes stock springs work but ride may be stiffer for you but alignment can be set on lower 3 notches. Believe Bilstein does not even list the 5100 for front now want you to buy newer more expensive 6100 series. I run the OME heavy duty rear leaves so about 3" lift back there. All depends on $$ as usual.